WEBVTT LOCAL FARMERS ABOUT HOW THIS MAYMALLORY: MARCH HAS BEEN A ROLLERTHIS FOR THEIR LETTING MOTHER>> THIS YEAR BECAUSE IT HASIT MAY DELAY THE CROP, IT MAYTHEY’RE NOT COMING IN AT ONE>> THEY HAVE SEEN A FEW CROPSTHE PROBLEMS START WHEN THEROGERS SAYS THEY LEARN NEW>> WE ARE ALWAYS CONCERNED THISIF YOU COME ON THE FARM, WE’REEVEN DURING THE DAY

As we prepare for possible winter weather again this week, area farmers are bracing for what may come our way.

March has been a rollercoaster, weather-wise, but strawberry farmers in the Piedmont Triad said they’re optimistic and in fact, said they need the cold.

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“We feel this year, because it has dropped back cold, it may be a blessing,” Christy Mabe Rogers, of Mabe’s Berry Farm, said.

Mabe’s Berry Farm in Walnut Cove has a few covered rows of strawberries to help protect them from extreme cold, but Rogers said this year, they’re letting Mother Nature do her job.

“This crop may come in just a smidge late, but if anything, it may end up being better,” she said. “They’re not coming in at one time, it doesn’t kill the farmer coming in all at once. Plus, last year, we had an awfully wet spring.”

Mabe’s has seen a few crops killed off because of the cold, but many of their plants are already blooming. These farmers are out checking on their supply daily, even during the night. Rogers said the problems start when the temperature dips below 20 degrees. The covers help to protect the plant down to 24 or 25 degrees.

Rogers said they learn new things each year by experimenting with their berries, which in turn helps them throughout the season.

“We’re always concerned this time of year. It’s a critical time,” she said. “It’s long nights. If you come on the farm, we’re out here checking temperatures, checking to make sure it doesn’t get below a certain level, even during the day.”

Mabe’s expects their strawberries will be ready to go the first of May.